Goodyear’s Chairman and CEO, Rich Kramer, Receives NASCAR’s Bill France Award of Excellence at the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Awards
During last week’s ceremony, NASCAR Chairman Jim France presented the prestigious award to Kramer in recognition of his outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the sport as Goodyear’s CEO.
In a recent highlight for Goodyear, its Chairman and CEO, Rich Kramer, was honored with the prestigious Bill France Award of Excellence at the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Awards. This recognition comes on the heels of Goodyear’s latest developments, including the creation of the 18-inch Goodyear Racing Eagle tire for NASCAR’s Next Gen stock car. Notably, Goodyear showcased its commitment to innovation by introducing real-time tire intelligence capability in June, equipping the NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 entry at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The close to 70-year partnership between Goodyear and NASCAR holds special significance for Kramer, grounded in shared values of competition and innovation. This enduring relationship allowed Goodyear to play a vital role in supporting NASCAR’s return to competition during the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Kramer expressed humility at the awards ceremony, attributing the acknowledgment to the dedicated team at the track each weekend. He emphasized that Goodyear’s long-term partnership with NASCAR is rooted in shared values, stating, “Anything I’m acknowledged for is due to them.”
The Bill France Award of Excellence is a rare honor, not bestowed every year. In its history since 1953, it has only been presented 28 times. Goodyear previously received this prestigious award in 1965 and 1971.
Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO, highlighted the critical role played by Rich Kramer and the Goodyear team during a period of challenges, change, and growth. From their contributions to NASCAR’s COVID response and the return to the racetrack to collaborative efforts in designing the Next Gen race car and partnering in showcasing NASCAR at the global stage during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Kramer and Goodyear have been valued partners.
The Bill France Award of Excellence joins the ranks of NASCAR’s most prestigious awards, and Rich Kramer joins esteemed past recipients like Jimmie Johnson (2020), Joe Gibbs (2019), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2017), Rick Hendrick (2009), Jack Roush (2001), Darrell Waltrip (2000), Richard Petty (1987), and Richard Childress (1986) in this distinguished honor.
About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Goodyear (NASDAQ: GT) is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 74,000 people and manufactures its products in 57 facilities in 23 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.